HRH Crown Prince meets US Defence Secretary in Washington
Bahrain today defended the right of the Palestinian people to establish a viable independent state on their national territories alongside Israel. It also urged the US leverage to continue, describing it as necessary to achieve comprehensive peace between all parties.
“The Middle Eastern countries aspire to see a tangible progress in the peace process in the regional”, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Commander said.<br>He stressed Bahrain’s principle stance as he met US Defence Secretary Robert Gates at the Pentagon.
He talked about the prospects of the ongoing peace operation as Palestinians and Israelis agreed to hold proximity negotiations.<br>”All peoples in the region shall have the opportunity to develop, spearhead economic growth and improve their children’s educational prospects”, he said, pointing out the importance for the region to carry out infrastructure projects and cope with the global development trends not to be left behind.
He described the strong ties bonding Bahrain and the US as “model relations between two long-standing allies and friends resolved to achieve their joint interests through consultation and coordination”. He highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in preserving the security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region.
He also stressed the “instrumental and constructive” role of the allied US forces stationed in the region, pointing out their contribution to the security and stability of all countries and peoples in the region. “Cooperation between the US forces and the Gulf States is based on total respect of all concerned parties’ interests”, he said.
He also stressed the adoption of a defence policy that protects the achievements of all countries in the region and contributes to global stability. HRH Prince Salman paid a tribute to His Majesty King Hamad for bolstering ties through fruitful cooperation with successive US administrations.
Mr.Gates stressed, in his turn, the strong relations bonding the US and Bahrain, hailing Prince Salman’s constructive role. He also described the Gulf security and stability as an “international necessity”, acknowledging Bahrain’s tangible contribution.Talks also focused on security and military issues of concern to both countries on the regional and international levels.
Present were Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Public Security chief Major General Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Crown Prince’s Court chief Shaikh Khalifa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Bahrain Ambassador to Washington Huda Nonoo. Defence Ministry planning and organisation director Brigadier General Yusif Mala’alla military attach Shaikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
